Chateau Gruaud Larose 2009

We did not taste it again these years, so we will skip our views on this bottle this time. Suffice to add the consistent and comments from the international tasters:

95 points, James Suckling

I like the aromas of sliced mushroom, berries and wet earth that follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a chewy finish. A fit yet polished wine here. Try after 2020. (2/2012)

95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

As I wrote in my barrel tasting note, 2009 appears to be the finest Gruaud Larose since 1990. Some of my concerns about too much brett in previous vintages are long gone as the purity of 2009 jumps out. Copious notes of sagebrush, cedar, cigar box, liquorice, incense, blackberries and lead pencil shavings suggest a big Pauillac rather than a St.-Julien. Broad, rich, full-bodied with good balance and abundant but sweet, well-integrated tannin, this big, masculine Gruaud Larose reveals remarkable finesse, richness, extract, density and a cascade of fruit nearly hides the high tannins. This beauty should be at its best between 2020-2045. Edited, (RP) (2/2012)

95 points Vinous

The 2009 Gruaud Larose has a fresh, backward, tightly coiled bouquet with ample blackberry and bilberry fruit, delicate tension and focus, and a nose that intends to last the distance (and why not?) The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, fresh and vibrant, laced-like tannin with a wonderfully detailed and persistent finish. There is some quality winemaking here, and it is a beautiful 2009 Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Edited. (NM) (3/2019)

Also, 95 Points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown, who writes, 'The 2009 Gruaud Larose has a blended 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. Medium to deep garnet coloured, it charges forth with warm black raspberries, crème de cassis and redcurrant jelly notes with touches of potpourri, cigar box, new leather, hoisin and molten chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with black fruits and savoury layers with a firm, grainy texture and seamless freshness, lifting the long earth-laced finish.' Edited.